Alternate cropping in the management of<i>Radopholus similis</i>and<i>Cosmopolites sordidus</i>two important pests of banana and plantain

Abstract

Abstract Microplots were prepared in land infested with the banana nematode Radopholus similis and the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus. For 1 year, one of six crops was grown in the microplots or the microplots were left fallow. Sampling showed that in addition to plantain (Musa AAB) both maize and groundnut were hosts to R. similis. After a year microplots were replanted with tissue‐cultured plantain. Three months after planting, tissue‐cultured plantain in plots that previously supported plantain, maize and groundnut were heavily infested with R. similis. Thirteen months after planting, tissue‐cultured plantain showed best growth in previously‐bare‐fallow plots with poorest growth in previously‐plantain plots. Damage by C. sordidus was severe in previously‐plantain plots but much less so in other plots. Results of this trial and of a greenhouse experiment were unable to show that the nematode Hoplolaimus pararobustus was pathogenic to either plantain or banana. Recommendations are made for the management of both R. similis and C. sordidus.